Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Cholesterol is one of the substances that plays a key role in our body, but its excess can lead to serious health problems. In this article, we will discuss what happens when blood cholesterol levels are too high, what causes hypercholesterolemia, how diet can affect cholesterol levels, and what are recommended strategies for lowering cholesterol.
What happens when the cholesterol level in the blood is too high?
Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, called hypercholesterolemia, can lead to serious health consequences. Cholesterol, which is a fat present in our body, is necessary for many processes, such as the construction of cell membranes and the production of hormones. However, excess cholesterol can accumulate in blood vessels, creating the so-called atherosclerotic plaques. This, in turn, can lead to narrowing of blood vessels and an increased risk of heart disease such as heart attack or stroke.
Causes of hypercholesterolemia
The causes of elevated blood cholesterol levels can be various. One of the main causes is a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Other risk factors include heredity, age, lack of physical activity and smoking. Diseases such as diabetes and hypertension can also affect cholesterol levels.
Does diet matter for high cholesterol? what to avoid?
The answer is yes, diet plays a key role in regulating cholesterol levels. There are certain foods that you should avoid or limit your intake to lower your cholesterol levels. First of all, these are products rich in saturated fats, such as red meat, full-fat dairy products and fast food. You should also limit your intake of products containing trans fats, which are found in many processed foods.
Diet to lower cholesterol
If we want to lower blood cholesterol levels, we should introduce healthy eating habits into our diet. Here are some recommendations:
Eat more fiber: Fiber in vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains helps lower cholesterol levels.
Choose healthy fats: Instead of saturated fats, choose unsaturated fats such as olive oil or avocado.
Eat fish: Marine fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are beneficial for heart health and can help lower cholesterol.
Limit salt: Excess salt can increase blood pressure, which affects cholesterol levels.
Avoid sugar: A diet high in sugar can lead to obesity, which in turn increases the risk of high cholesterol.
Your suggestions
It is worth regularly monitoring blood cholesterol levels and consulting a doctor if you suspect hypercholesterolemia. In addition to diet, physical activity, quitting smoking and controlling other risk factors are important to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about a healthy lifestyle, cholesterol control and other aspects of heart health, we recommend reading the following articles:
– “How to introduce healthy eating habits?”
– “The role of physical activity in maintaining a healthy heart”
– “How to deal with stress and its impact on heart health”
Remember that a healthy lifestyle and proper diet can significantly reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. Take care of your health and make conscious food choices.